I attend the President’s Choice SuperDogs every chance I get – and fortunately, I get a lot of chances including every year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in November (cancelled for 2020, unfortunately) and two years ago at the Caledonia Fall Fair (also cancelled for 2020). At the latter, I got to see the SuperDogs up-close and snout height, which is how I got these photos included here.
Clearly, a lot is cancelled in 2020, including most of the ‘Dog Events’ listed on the popular page on this site. However, that doesn’t mean the SuperDogs have stopped performing entirely. Like many musical acts, the SuperDogs are embracing the drive-in. And if you’re near Kitchener, Ontario or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, you can drive up and see SuperDogs perform the third weekend in August 2020.
First, what are the President’s Choice SuperDogs? Aren’t all dogs super?
Yes, of course all dogs are super. But the SuperDogs takes it one step further: approximately 150 dogs and their people in Canada are members of the SuperDogs troop and are called upon perform at various venues across Canada. SuperDogs are part of the 40-year-old Spot on Entertainment company and offer several themed shows including Abracadabark, Rock n Roll Over, and Acrobark.
But all shows feature two important elements: various dog tricks and agility stunts taught by the dogs’ owners/trainers and all dogs are family pets and live in homes with the people who appear in shows with them. So, most shows are similar, but no two shows are the same because different dogs perform in different locations.
Picture the sporting prowess of agility training crossed with crowd pleasing theatrics. ‘Teams’ of dogs compete through standard agility obstacles like tunnels and poles as the audience cheers, egged on by pumping music and a Ringmaster M.C.
All sized dogs compete jumping obstacles but watch carefully – as the jumps get bigger the little dogs disappear from the line up replaced by labs and shepherds. All in the name of family-friendly entertainment. Little dogs, however, get their share of attention.
Second, where can I see the SuperDogs in 2020?
SuperDogs Tail-gate Party, Kitchener, Ontario
Like me, you’re likely craving some summer pet events, so if you’re in Southern Ontario you can see the SuperDogs (from your car) at Bingemans Park (same place that’s hosted dog events and the annual drive-through Christmas light festival), 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. August 22 to 24, 2020. Advanced tickets are required.
PNE, Vancouver, British Columbia
Also, the Pacific National Exhibition, at Hastings Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is a drive-through event in 2020. From 11 am to 7 pm, drive through the park for $25 per carload, August 22 to 30, 2020. The SuperDogs are part of the entertainment and will be performing several times each day.
Any pet events still on near you? Let us know in the comments below!
